Mom,

I'm writing this letter because I love you. I love you very much. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about how far away I am from you on a daily basis. It sucks not being able to feel your warmth every day, or to see your shining face when you walk into the door (even if you had a bad day). I wish I could listen to your stories like I did when we both got home from school. I love hearing about what silly things the kids did at work, or what stupid drama is going on at the office.

I want to be able to hold your hand through every stage of your life, just as you have with mine. We have watched each other grow, physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Thank you for not being the crazy Dance Mom, and for taking me to McDonald's every week, and for catching my tears throughout every breakup even if it was through the phone. Most importantly, thank you for passing along the Dunkin Donuts coffee addiction to your daughter.

I want to give back to you, just as you have for me. I want to be there to hold you when times get tough. I want to be the one to pour you a glass of milk when your sugar crashes, and to let you use your heating pad even when the doctor advises you not to. I want to be the one to catch your tears when you need some comfort and you feel like all hope is gone. I want to binge watch your favorite Netflix series with you all day, and I want to hear your laugh when the cats do something silly.

You are the only woman I know who yells at the television as if they can hear you, when Dustin Pedroia gets the game-winning base hit. You have never restricted me from anything I have ever wanted to do, and I thank you for that. I thank you for your eternal support in everything I do, from the 1 AM volleyball tournament in Washington, D.C., to the daily transportation to and from Lake Compounce the entire summer. You have supported every relationship, athletic event, dance recital, band concert...absolutely everything. I am so lucky to have you as an outlet of eternal support and affection.

I miss you every day that we are apart, and I have missed you every day since you drove back home from my first day of college. You are still the first person I call if something goes wrong, and you are the first person I call if something goes right. You will always be the person I look to for support, for comfort, for love.You are my best friend in this world of judgment and lies. My strength has been tested, and my trust in others waivers. However, you are the constant in my life, and always will be.

Love,

Your best friend & daughter